Flag Code, Etiquette and Laws

THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA

Our nation reveres the flag, not out of a sense of unquestioning worship but
out of a deep sense of our national heritage. Strengthened by our noble deeds,
splendid accomplishments, and untold sacrifices, the flag reflects America's
pledge to uphold Freedom and work for peace throughout the world. It is
America's strength in honor, as dignified in the stars and stripes of the
flag, which helps to establish the moral character of our national foundation.

The flag, endearingly referred to as "Old Glory," represents all
people of America. We, the people, are America. It is little wonder
that the people of America are moved when saluting the flag is it passes by,
reminding us that we are a part of this great land. We are "one nation
under God."

Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a
nation, is a poignant reminder of America's greatness and our fortune to live
in a country which values freedom above all else. It signifies the commitment
made by our fallen comrades who battled bravely to defend the honor of this
sacred emblem - our American unity, our power, and our purpose as a nation,
and it exemplifies the devotion of our leaders who continue to uphold its
promise of liberty, justice and freedom for all.

Nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony
honoring a great event or draped over the coffin of a military veteran as a
sign of mourning for a hero and a loved one.

The Flag Code

Previous to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations
governing display of the United States Flag. It was on this date that the
National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag Conference which was
attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had evolved their own
procedures, and some 66 other national groups. This purpose of providing clear
guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures relating to display and
associated questions about the U. S. Flag was adopted by all organizations in
attendance.

A few minor changes were made a year later during the Flag Day 1924
Conference, It was not until June 22, 1942 that Congress passed a joint
resolution which was amended on December 22, 1942 to become Public Law 829;
Chapter 806, 77th Congress, 2nd session. Exact rules for use and display of
the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) as well as associated sections (36 U.S.C. 171)
Conduct during Playing of the National Anthem, (36 U.S.C. 172) the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag, and Manner of Delivery were included.

This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and
Stripes. It does not impose any penalties, neither civil or criminal
for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the
federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag
law.

Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were
contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme
Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute
unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of
1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for
knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor
or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of
1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman,
decided on June 11, 1990.

While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter,
modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal
agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on
civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of
various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be
fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States
of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be
deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown.

With Liberty and justice for All

Even
before the American Revolution, flags bearing the familiar red and white
stripes, which symbolize the unity of the original 13 colonies of America,
began to appear. These stripes were later combined with the British Union Jack
to produce the Continental flag that flew over George Washington's
headquarters during the siege of Boston.

Grand Union Flag (1775 - 1777)

Although it is not exactly clear who created it and when, a new colonial
flag was raised on January 1, 1776, at the camp of the Continental Army near
Boston. Known as the Grand Union flag, Continental Union flag, or simply the
Union flag, this banner featured the British Union Jack as a canton on a field
of 13 red and white stripes representing the 13 colonies. The symbolism
apparently carried a double message--loyalty to Great Britain but unity of the
American colonies.

In November 1775, the Continental Congress voted funds for a fleet of four
ships to protect the southern colonies. One of the ships is known to have
flown the Grand Union flag. It is likely that during the early years of the
Revolution, American ships flying this flag docked at Savannah or sailed in
the coastal waters off Georgia's mainland.

Almost a year passed after the Declaration of Independence was signed
before a new flag was adopted by the Congress. But variations in the flag were
persistent, and changes continued during much of the 19th century. The Flag
Act of 1818 fixed the number of horizontal stripes at 13, and gave the
President the authority to determine the star arrangement. The now-familiar
stars and stripes were not carried into battle by the United States Army until
the Mexican War.

Finally, in 1912, an executive order was established which defined the
design of the flag, including the star arrangement. Later, when Alaska and
Hawaii entered the Union, stars representing those states were added to the
flag, adapting the traditional horizontal arrangement.

American involvement in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World
War II stimulated patriotic sentiments and interest in the flag. In 1942,
Congress established rules and customs concerning the flag and the Pledge of
Allegiance.

The years since World War II have seen the refinement of various laws and
regulations concerning the flag. Today, it has become an accepted part of the
decoration of most public buildings and a symbol regarded as appropriate to
almost any setting where citizens gather.

Pledge to the Flag

"I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the"REPUBLIC"
for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all."

After first appearing in a copy of the Youth's Companion in 1892, as a
celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, the pledge
to the flag received the official recognition of Congress on June 22, 1942.
The phrase, "under God," was added to the pledge by Congress on June
14, 1954, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said that "in this way
we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage
and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons
which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and
war."

Red Skelton, during the presentation of his CBS television show on the
night of January 14, 1969, read his version of the "Pledge of
Allegiance" to the flag. He immediately received 200,000 requests for it,
he recorded it and the record was widely played throughout the country.
Skelton had learned his adaptation of the pledge as a schoolboy in Vincennes,
Indiana. The teacher felt his pupils were bored reciting the pledge every
morning (times haven't changed much), so he decided to explain to his students
what the lines they were mumbling meant.

"I"— me, an individual, a committee of one.

"Pledge"— dedicate all of my worldly goods to
give without self-pity.

"Allegiance" — my love and devotion.

"To the Flag" — our standard, Old Glory, a symbol
of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty
has given her dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job.

"Of the united" — that means that we have all
come together

"States" — individual communities that have
united into 50 great states. Fifty communities with pride and dignity
and purpose, all divided by imaginary boundaries, yet common purpose and that’s
love for country.

"Of America"— Home
of the Brave and Land of the Free.

"And to the Republic" —
a state in which limited Sovereign Power is granted to representatives chosen
by the people who govern. And government is the people and it's
representatives chosen by the people who govern. And government is the
people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the
people.

"For which it stands" — flying proudly, never
touching the ground or displayed below other flags.

"One nation under GOD" — meaning so blessed by
GOD.

"Indivisible" — incapable of being divided.

"With Liberty" — which is freedom and the RIGHTS
or power to live one's own life without threats or fear of some sort of
retaliation.

"And justice" — the principle or quality of
dealing fairly with others.

"For all" — which means it's as much your country
as it is mine.

When rendering the pledge of allegiance, persons should stand at attention,
face the flag, and, if in uniform, salute, or otherwise place the RIGHT hand
over the heart. Persons wearing the caps of veterans' service organizations,
such as the Disabled American Veterans, are expected to salute. Others, such
as Boy or Girl Scouts in uniform, should render respect to the flag in
accordance with the traditions of the organization whose uniform they are
wearing.

Our National Anthem

The "Star Spangled Banner" has been designated as the national
anthem of the United States of America. During the playing of the anthem when
the flag is displayed, persons not in uniform should stand at attention facing
the flag with their RIGHT hand over their heart. Those in uniform should begin
saluting the flag at the first note of the music, and hold the salute until
the last note of the anthem is played. This also applies to those wearing
veterans' organization caps or the uniforms of other patriotic organizations.

Displaying the Flag

When displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of
proper flag etiquette. They are:

When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should
be positioned to its own RIGHT. Also, it should be placed to the RIGHT of a
speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.

When
the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally from a window sill,
balcony, or building, the stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of
the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a
number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When
the flag is displayed either vertically or horizontally against a wall, the
stars should be placed at the top of the flag and on the observer's
left. If the flag is on a pole or staff it is placed on the speakers
right and the other flags are placed on the speakers left. The flag
should never be draped over or cover the speakers podium. It should
never be fastened to the stage or platform in front of or below the speaker.

When
the flag is flown with flags of other nations they are to be displayed from
separate staffs of the same height, and each should be of equal size.
International law forbids the display of the flag of one nation to be flown
above that of another nation during time of peace.

When the flag is unfurled for display across a street, it should be hung
vertically, with the stars arranged to the north or east. It must not
touch the buildings, ground, trees or bushes. It should be high enough
that it does not drag across anything passing below it.

During a time of national mourning, the flag can be flown at half mast by
order or proclamation of the President of the United States. When flown at
half mast, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then
lowered to the half staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak
before it is lowered at the end of the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be
displayed at half mast until noon, then raised to the top of the staff and
flown until sunset. Local customs regarding the lowering of company, city, or
other flags to half mast are directed by the executive officers of those
service areas.

When
the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the
head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave
or be allowed to touch the ground.

Respect for the Flag

The Flag Code, a national guideline on ways in which the flag is to be
respected, states that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United
States of America. Specific ways, in which the flag should not be used,
according to the code, are:

The
flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, and can be flown upside down
only as a distress signal.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a way
that would allow it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged.

The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, work, or other designs
of any kind placed upon it.

The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding,
carrying, or delivering anything.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes. It should not be
embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions,
handkerchiefs, paper napkins, boxes, or anything that is designed for
temporary use. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a flag's staff or
halyard.

The
flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Bunting of
blue, white, and red can be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the
front of a platform, or for decoration in general.

No part of the flag should be used as an element of a costume or athletic
uniform. However, a flag patch may be worn on the uniform of military
personnel, firemen, and members of patriotic or other national organizations,
such as the uniforms of veterans' service organizations or Scout uniforms.

When
lowering the flag, make certain that no part of it touches the ground. It
should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, ceremoniously
fold it length wise in half, then repeat with the blue field on the outside.
Finally, while one person holds it by the blue field, another then makes a
triangular fold in the opposite end, continuing to fold it in triangles until
only the blue shield shows. A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on
the triangles, representing the 13 Original Colonies. When finally
complete the triangular folded flag is emblematical of the tri-corner hat worn
by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded no red or white
stripe is to be evident leaving only the honor field of blue and stars.

FLYING OUR FLAG

It is proper to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on all days the
weather permits. The flag may also be displayed at night if illuminated by a
light. But it is even more important to display the flag on national holidays
and days of importance, including:

New Year's Day
Inauguration Day
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington's Birthday
Easter Sunday
Mother's Day
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day (half staff until noon)
Flag Day
Father's Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Constitution Day
Columbus Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Election Days
State and Local Holidays
State Birthday

The flag may be flown at half mast only when proclaimed by the President of
the United States.

When a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem
for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by
burning.

Standard Proportions For The United States Flag

The Mystery of the Forgotten U.S. Flag Revealed.

A little known fact about the history of Old Glory, is her sister, the
almost forgotten Civil Flag of the United States.

The first authorization of a U.S. flag came about on June 14th, 1777, when
Congress directed that a U.S. flag consist of 13 stripes, alternating red and
white; that a union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new
Constellation. Through usage, horizontal stripes were adopted for use over
military posts and vertical stripes adopted for use over civilian posts. Most
flag purchase orders were for the military version by the Federal
government. Out paced by military purchases, civil flag orders were
almost non-existent as the cost was far more than most Americans could afford.
Sightings of the Civilian Flag were rarely seen until U.S. Customs adopted the
Civil Flag in it's enforcement of tax collection and inspection in ports as
opposed to acts of war against merchant ships.

On March 2, 1799, Congress revised the duties of revenue cutters and added
authority to fire upon other vessels if such vessels did not respond to a
cutter's flag and a gun shot warning. On June 1, 1799, Oliver Wolcott,
Hamilton's successor, submitted his flag design to President John Adams. His
proposal defined the new Customs Flag with 16 stripes, one stripe for each
State that had joined the Union by 1799 and turned the stripes vertical to
show the civil nature of it's use as opposed to a military nature. For the
Union, Wolcott proposed using the Arms of the United States, the American Bald
Eagle, over a white field. The final version was approved on August 1st, 1799.
Although intended just for the Customs Office, the new civilian flag became
adopted by custom houses and merchants to show their civilian nature as
opposed to being under military control. The practice of using the Customs
Flag as a Civil Flag became encoded in law in 1874 when Treasury Secretary
William. A. Richardson required all custom houses to fly the Civil Flag.

In 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard became an independent bureau from the
Treasury Department, absorbing the Revenue Cutter Service. The Civil Flag used
by the cutter service was modified and adopted under Coast Guard authority,
losing it's original significance of civilian authority, which by then, had
been long forgotten as the Federal government acquired more control over the
States and their citizens. By 1951, the original Customs Civil Flag had been
phased out completely with another redesign.

It is believed by some historians that the Civil Flag was discontinued
after the Civil War when the federal government imposed military governments
in the States and disbanded civilian government. As a show of it's power over
the States, Civil Flags were discontinued and Old Glory became the sole emblem
representing the People of the United States of America, united under military
(or admiralty) rule.

For over 100 years, the Civilian U.S. Flag was flown by a select citizenry
that could afford to buy them. While most were of the design of the Customs
Bureau and it's American Eagle, many continued to adorn the original look from
1777 with a constellation of stars on a blue field and with red and white
vertical stripes. By 1900, the Civil Flag had all but disappeared except for
the occasional use by the government's revenue cutters and more recently, the
Coast Guard with a modified design. By 1980, nearly all documentation of the
Civil Flag had been omitted in school text books and it's existence left as a
mystery in a few old photographs and a rare mention in classic books.

Civilian Merchant Appraisers from 1919

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850,
the introduction, titled "The Custom House," includes this
description:

"From the loftiest point of its roof, during precisely three and a half
hours of each forenoon, floats or droops, in breeze or calm, the banner of
the republic; but with the thirteen stripes turned vertically, instead of
horizontally, and thus indicating that a civil, and not a military post
of Uncle Sam's government, is here established."

This is a photograph of a "modern" custom house located in Eagle
Alaska and here on one pole both flags are seen flying. This unusual photo
with both the military and civilian flags was sent to us by Walter Kenaston
who snapped this shot in 1997. Notice that the military flag is flying
on top, in the "superior" position above the civil custom flag and
there is no Alaska State flag.

Photograph by Walter Kenaston circa 1997

You may recall in the old Westerns, "Old Glory" has her stripes
running sideways and a military yellow fringe. Most of these films are
historically accurate about that; their stories usually took place in the
territories still under military law and not yet states. Before WWII, no U.S.
flag, civil or military, flew within the forty-eight states (except in federal
settings); only state flags did. Since then, the U.S. government seems to have
decided the supposedly sovereign states are its territories too, so it asserts
its military power over them under the "law of the flag."

History book publishers contribute to the public's mis-education by always
picturing the flag in military settings, creating the impression that the one
with horizontal stripes is the only one there is. They don't actually lie;
they just tell half the truth. For example, the "first American
flag" they show Betsy Ross sewing at George Washington's request, was for
the Revolution - of course it was military.

The U.S. government has refrained from and discouraged flying the civil
flag since the Civil War, as that war is still going on. Peace has never been
declared, nor have hostilities against the people ended. The government is
still operating under quasi-military martial rule.

Today the U.S. military flag appears alongside, or in place of, the state
flags in nearly all locations within the states. All of the state courts and
even the municipal ones now openly display it. This should have raised serious
questions from many citizens long ago, but we've been educated to listen and
believe what we are told, not to ask questions, or think or search for the
truth.

THE FLAG IS PRECISELY DEFINED BY LAW

On June 14, 1776, Congress made the following resolution: "The flag of
the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a
union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field..." Because Congress
made no rule for the arrangement of the stars, they were displayed in
different ways, most usually in a circle. As new states joined the Union, they
demanded representation in the stars and stripes of the flag. In 1795 Congress
voted to increase to 15 the number of stars and stripes. Legislation enacted
in 1818 reestablished the number of stripes at 13 and instituted the policy,
"That on the admission of every new state into the Union, one star be
added to the Union of the flag..."

An executive order issued by President William Howard Taft on Oct. 29,1912,
fixed the overall width and length of the U.S. flag, known technically as the
hoist and fly, respectively, in a ratio of 1: 1.9. The thirteen stripes were
fixed at equal width. The hoist of the blue field containing the stars was
fixed at seven-thirteenths of the overall hoist, that is, as extending from
the top of the flag to the bottom of the seventh stripe. The fly of the blue
field was fixed at a tiny fraction over three-fourths the overall hoist. The
diameter of each star was established as a minute fraction under one-sixteenth
of the overall hoist.

"The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal
stripes, alternating red and White; and the union of the flag shall be forty
eight stars, white in a blue field. " 61 Stat. 642, July 30,1947, ch.
389. 4 U.S.C.A.1. This describes the civil flag of the United States,
as it is to be flown in the District of Columbia, its enclaves and overseas on
ships and embassies.

Currently, the Flag of the united States of America is defined as :

The American Flag of Peace of the united States of America is described
as red, white and blue, with thirteen alternating red and white horizontal
stripes, and a blue field (union) with 50 stars, one to represent each of
the several States. The Flag is proportional, (1 X 1.9) . This proportion is
easily determined by measuring the length (fly) and dividing by the
measurement of the width (hoist). The length divided by the width should be
very nearly 1.9. If the flag is not to the correct 1 X 1.9 proportion, it is
not an official Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 American Flag of Peace of the united
States of America.

Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 and Presidential Executive Order 10834,
found in the Federal Register at Vol. 24. No. 166, P.6365 - 6367.

Title 4 U.S.C. 3 provides that anything put on the title 4 U.S.C., 1, 2
American Flag such as gold fringe MUTILATES the Flag and carries a one-year
prison term. This is confirmed by the authority of title 36 U.S.C. 176
(g). The gold fringe is a fourth color and represents "color of law"
jurisdiction and when placed on the title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2
Flag, mutilates the Flag and suspends the Constitution and establishes
"color of law" jurisdiction (Refer to title 18 U.S.C. 242,
see Black's Law Dictionary).

As provided by title 36 U.S.C. 173 and Army Regulation 840-10, chapter
2-1(b), the Flag of the united States of America is defined and described in
title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2. Civilians must use the title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 Flag
(see title 36 U.S.C. 173 and Army Regulation 840-10,
chapter 2-7) and when military flags are displayed
by Army Regulation 840-10, chapter 2 and title 36 U.S.C.
175.

THE UNITED STATES MILITARY FLAG WITH THE GOLD FRINGE

FLAG Martial Law; "Pursuant to 4 U.S.C. chapter 1, §§1, 2,
& 3; Executive Order 10834, August 21, 1959; 24 F.R.6865; a
military flag is a flag that resembles the regular flag of the United States,
except that it has a YELLOW FRINGE border on three sides. The president of the
United States designates this deviation from the regular flag, by executive
order, and in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.

FLAG Martial Law;The Placing of a fringe on the national flag, the
dimensions of the flag and the arrangement of the stars in the union are
matters of detail not controlled by statute, but are within the discretion of
the President as commander in Chief of the Army and Navy." 34
Ops. Atty. Gen. 83.

President, Dwight David Eisenhower, by Executive Order No.10834,
signed on August 21, 1959 and printed in the Federal Register at 24 F.R.
6865, pursuant to law, stated that: "A military flag is a flag
that resembles the regular flag of the United States, except that it has a
Yellow Fringe border on three sides."

FLAG Martial law; "The use of such a fringe is prescribed in
current Army Regulation no. 260-10." 34 Ops. Atty. . Gen. 483,
485.

FLAG Martial law; "Ancient custom sanctions the use of the
fringe on regimental colors and standards, but there seems to be no good
reason or precedent for its use on other flags." The Adjutant General
of the Army, March 28, 1924, (1925); 34 Ops. Atty. Gen. 483, 485.

DISPLAY OF MILITARY FLAG

National flags listed below are for indoor display and for use in
ceremonies and parades. For these purposes the United States flag will be
rayon banner cloth, trimmed on three sides with golden yellow fringe, 2 1/2
inches wide. It will be the same size as the flags displayed or carried with
it.

Authorization for indoor display

Each military courtroom Any courtroom that displays these flags
behind the Judge is a military courtroom. You are under military law and not
constitutional law, or common law, or civil law, or statute law.

Restrictions "The following limitations and prohibitions are
applicable to flags guidons, streamers, and components."

Unauthorized use of official flags, guidons, and streamers. Display
or use of flags, guidons, and streamers or replicas thereof, including those
presently or formerly carried by U.S. Army units, by other than the office,
individual, or organization for which authorized, is prohibited except as
indicated in below.

Use only by recognized United States Army division associations . .
. ." United States Army Regulation AR 640-10, October 1, 1979

According to Army Regulations, (AR 840-10, Oct. 1, 1979.) "the
Flag is trimmed on three sides with Fringe of Gold, 2 1/2 inches wide,"
and that, "such flags are flown indoors, ONLY in military
courtrooms." And that the Gold Fringed Flag is not to be carried by
anyone except units of the United States Army, and the United States Army
division associations."

THE AUTHORITY FOR FRINGE ON THE FLAG IS
SPECIFIED IN ARMY REGULATIONS,BUT ONLY FOR THE NATIONAL (MILITARY) FLAG !

The U.S. Attorney General has stated: "The placing of a gold fringe on
the national flag, the dimensions of the flag, and the arrangements of
the stars in the union are matters of detail not controlled by statute, but
are within the discretion of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Army
and Navy . . . ancient custom sanctions the use of fringe on regimental colors
and standards, but there seems to be no good reason or precedent for its use
on other flags . . . the use of such a fringe is prescribed in current Army
Regulations, No. 260-10." (See 34 Ops. Atty. Gen. 483 &
485) The only statute or regulation, in the United States,
prescribing a yellow fringed United States flag is Army Regulation No.
260-10, making it a military flag.

By Army Regulation 260-10, the gold fringe may be used only on
regimental "colors," the President's flag, for military courts
martial, and the flags used at military recruiting centers. "A military
flag emblem of a nation, usually made of cloth and flown from a staff; FROM A
MILITARY STANDPOINT flags are of two general classes...those flown from
stationary masts over army posts, and those carried by troops in formation.
The former are referred to by the general name of flags. The later are called
colors when carried by dismounted troops. COLORS AND STANDARDS are more nearly
square than flags and are made of silk, with a knotted FRINGE OF YELLOW ON
THREE SIDES. . .USE OF A FLAG -- THE MOST GENERAL AND APPROPRIATE USE OF THE
FLAG IS AS A NATIONAL SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY AND POWER." (National
Encyclopedia, Vol. 4)

The adornments (FINIAL) on the top of the flag pole are for military use
only. The gold eagle is for the use of the President of the United States
only, and only in time of war. The gold spear ball is for military recruiting
centers only. The gold acorn is for military parades only. (Army Regulation
840-10, chapter 8).

Colors -- "A flag, ensign, or standard borne in an army or
fleet." (Webster's 1971)

Color -- An appearance, semblance, or simulacrum, as distinguished
from that which is real. A prima facie or apparent RIGHT. Hence, a deceptive
appearance; a plausible, assumed exterior, concealing a lack or reality; a
disguise or pretext. (Black's Law Dictionary, 6th Ed.)

Color of law -- The appearance or semblance, without the substance,
of legal RIGHT. Misuse of power, possessed by virtue of state law and made
possible only because wrongdoer is clothed with authority of state, is action
taken under "color of state law." (Atkins v. Lanning, 415 F.
Supp. 186, 188)

Colorable --That which is in appearance only, and not in reality,
what it purports to be, hence counterfeit, feigned, having the appearance of
truth. (Windle v. Flinn, 251 P. 2d 136, 146)

Colorable alteration -- One which makes no real or substantial
change, but is introduced only as a subterfuge or means of evading the patent
or copyRIGHTS law. (Black's 6th).

Colorable imitation -- In the law of trademarks, this phrase denotes
such a close or ingenious imitation as to be calculated to deceive ordinary
persons. (Black's 6th).

THE LAW OF THE FLAG

The Law of the Flag, an International Law, which is recognized by every nation
of the planet, is defined as:

" .. a rule to the effect that a vessel is a part of the territory
of the nation whose flag she flies. The term is used to designate the RIGHTS
under which a ship owner, who sends his vessel into a foreign port, gives
notice by his flag to all who enter into contracts with the ship master that
he intends the Law of that Flag to regulate those contracts, and that they
must either submit to its operation or not contract with him or his agent at
all."

Ref.: Ruhstrat v. People, 57 N.E. 41

By the doctrine of "four cornering" the flag establishes the law
of the country that it represents. For example, the embassies of
foreign countries, in Washington D.C., are "four cornered" by walls
or fencing, creating an "enclave." Within the boundaries of
the "enclave" of the foreign embassy, the flag of that foreign
country establishes the jurisdiction and law of that foreign country, which
will be enforced by the Law of the Flag and international treaty. If you
enter an embassy, you will be subject to the laws of that country, just as if
you board a ship flying a foreign flag, you will be subject to the laws of
that flag, enforceable by the "master of the ship," (Captain), by
the law of the flag.

Under Article IV, section 3, of the Constitution for the
united States of America, no new State shall be formed or erected within
the Jurisdiction of any other State. So -- why have the Germans been allowed
to erect a German enclave at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, under the
Law of the Flag? Why have the judges of the State and Federal courts
been allowed to erect foreign enclaves within our public courthouses under a
foreign flag of the yellow fringe upon the soil of your state?

Under martial law, you are presumed guilty until
proven innocent.

The flags displayed in State courts and courts of the United States have
gold or yellow fringes. That is your WARNING
that you are entering into a foreign enclave, the same as if you are stepping
into a foreign embassy and you will be under the jurisdiction of that
flag. The flag with the gold or yellow fringe has no constitution, no
laws, and no rules of court, and is not recognized by any nation on the earth,
and is foreign to you and the united States of America.

When you enter a courtroom displaying a gold or
yellow fringed flag, you have just entered into a foreign country, and you
better have your passport with you, because you may not be coming back to the
land of the free for a long time. The judge sitting under a gold or yellow
fringe flag becomes the "captain" or "master" of that ship
or enclave and he has absolute power to make the rules as he goes. The gold or
yellow fringe flag is your warning that you are leaving your
Constitutionally secured RIGHTS on the floor outside the door to that
courtroom.

This is exactly why so many judges are appointed, and not elected by
the people. The Federal judges are appointed by the President, the
national military commander in chief. The State judges are appointed by
the Governors, the state military commanders. The judges are appointed
because the courts are military courts and civilians do not
"elect" military officers.

The gold-fringed flag only stands inside military courts that sit in
summary court martial proceedings against civilians and such courts are
governed in part by local rules, but more especially by "The Manual of
Courts Martial", U.S., 1994 Ed., at Art. 99,(c)(1)(b), pg.
IV-34, PIN 030567-0000, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash.
D.C. The details of the crimes that civilians can commit, that are
classed as 'Acts of War,' cover 125 pages in the Manual of Courts
Martial.

We just thought you would like to know, so that the next time you see this
yellow fringed flag you will know what you are looking at and what it really
means. If you are in Spain and you see the National Flag of Spain,
you would know that you are under the jurisdiction of Spain; and their laws
govern you at this time. You are officially NOTICED when
you see their flag. This is an admiralty law that says that all
who see this flag understand they are governed by the laws of the country that
this flag represents. You SHOULD understand that the gold
or yellow fringed flag signifies the same thing. It is a notice to you
that you are under the rules and regulations of the military force that
is flying that flag.

Are you familiar with martial law?

Do you understand that most of our court systems fly this flag?

Do you think it is necessary to understand this difference?

Does your attorney understand what this flag means?

"It is an elementary rule of pleading, that a
plea to the jurisdiction is a tacit (silent) admission that the court has a
right to judge the case and is a waiver to all exception to the
jurisdiction." (Girty v. Logan, 6 Bush KY, 8)

When ALL the official American flags are gone, our Country is gone.

You can watch over the ramparts by the dawn's early light, with bombs bursting
in the air, until you go blind, but you will not see a proper Title 4 U.S.C.
1, 2 Flag with its inherent RIGHTS.

You may see something that looks like an American Flag, but it is a
shortened National Flag, for military use only. It is a colorable flag, a
colorable alteration or imitation of the official American flag. Take your
tape measure to determine what kind of a flag it really is. You will find that
its proportion is shortened to only 1 X 1.66 or 1 X 1.5 and it is NOT the
official size ratio of 1 X 1.9, almost twice as long as it is high.

Why do private businesses display National Flags with military adornments
on the flag pole?

Why do banks display gold or yellow fringed flags, with gold adornments, in
their lobbies?

Why have military "colors" been placed in our public schools?

Why are our children being taught under martial law, in foreign or military
enclaves with no Constitutionally secured RIGHTS, under the Law of the Flag?

Why do most churches display gold or yellow fringed flags with gold
adornments?

Does your Church have a pastor or a military chaplain?

Why are there no manufacturers that produce the correctly proportioned Title
4 U.S.C. 1, 2 Civilian American Flags? Take your tape measure
and try to find one.

Why do civilian courts display a military or foreign flag?

Why do civilian judges conduct court martials against civilians?

Why don't you ask them the reason? Are they foreigners or just
ignorant?

Here are the correct answers to all these questions:

The proper Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 Civilian American Flag of the united
States of America with no fringe takes precedence over all other flags,
as it is the superior flag, and establishes the civil jurisdiction of
the united States of America, and the laws made in pursuance thereof.
This civilian authority is mandated in almost all the STATE
constitutions. If you can find a proper Civilian American Flag then buy
it, for you will then have something very powerful indeed.

However, a gold or yellow fringed military or foreign flag, displayed
without the presence of a proper Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 Civilian
American Flag suspends the Constitution,
by the international Law of the flag. This takes away all your Rights
and places you firmly under the military or martial law jurisdiction if
you do not have your own proper Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 Civilian American
Flag.

Now, you know why you can not find a proper Title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2
Civilian American Flag. Because your civilian flag and law would be
superior to the military law of the corporate UNITED STATES and they could no
longer rule over you.

AMERICA HAS BEEN CONQUERED BY TACIT ADMISSION,

THE PEOPLE HAVE SURRENDERED!!

When two nations go to war, the object of the game is to capture the other
guy's flag. When you go onto foreign soil, take the other guy's flag down and
put yours up, you have captured the other guy's territory and put it under the
law (Constitution) of your flag.

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and general, said that when the
Art of War is brought to its highest pinnacle, the enemy will be conquered
without the opposing armies ever having met in the field. By skillfully using
the art of deception, and skillful use of agents to infiltrate the enemy's
government, the enemy may be conquered without the enemy even knowing that
it had been conquered.

WE HAVE BEEN CONQUERED! WHERE IS THE VFW? WHERE
ARE THE VETERANS THAT PAID SO HIGH A PRICE FOR THE TITLE 4 U.S.C. 1, 2
AMERICAN FLAG AND THE LIBERTY AND COUNTRY THAT IT REPRESENTS? WILL
THESE MEN WHO SACRIFICED SO MUCH CONTINUE TO CONSENT TO THE FALL OF OUR NATION
BY THEIR CONTINUED SILENCE? HAVE THEY CAPITULATED BY TACIT
AGREEMENT?

Capitulation -- the act or agreement of surrendering upon negotiated
or simulated terms. (Black's Law Dictionary, 6th Ed.)

Tacit -- Existing, inferred, or understood without being openly
expressed or stated; implied by silence or silent acquiescence, as a tacit
agreement or tacit understanding. Done or made in silence, implied or
indicated, but not actually expressed. Manifested by the refraining from
contradiction or objection; inferred from the situation and circumstance, in
the absence of express matter. (Black's Law Dictionary, 6th Ed.)

Tacit admissions -- An acknowledgment or concession of a fact
inferred from either silence or from the substance of what one has said.

Our elected officials, judges, county commissioners, city councils, school
boards and school administrators, police, the State Legislators, the Governor,
the U.S. Congress, and even the President have all committed acts of
CONSTRUCTIVE TREASON.

Constructive Treason -- Treason imputed to a person by law from his
conduct or course of action, though his deeds taken severally do not amount to
actual treason. (Black's 6th) also defined as: "..an attempt to
establish treason by circumstantiality, and not by the simple genuine letter
of the law, and therefore is highly dangerous to public freedom." C.J.S.,
vol. 87, p. 910

The judges, with deliberate intent, and by overt judicial acts, are
surrendering the Constitution of the united States of America to a foreign
state/power as is denoted by the yellow or gold fringe flag in the courtroom,
thereby causing any party appearing before his court a loss of their
Constitutional RIGHTS. Judges or other officers that swear an oath and
affirmation to support and defend the Constitution for the united States of
America and then surrender and erect 'foreign enclaves' upon the soil of the
several States in breach of Article IV, Section 3, ARE
GUILTY, by definition, of constructive treason, against the People.

When all of the title 4 U.S.C. 1, 2 official American Flags are
gone, the united States of America and our precious Constitution are dead.

If you do not think that the flag is important, why then, did an entire
battalion of Marines, in early 1942, fight to the last man defending that flag
against the Japanese?

In early 1942, in the Philippines, a young officer named Lt. Ramsey,
under the command of Gen. Wainwright, led the last mounted cavalry charge in
the history of the U.S. Army. Lt. Ramsey and his men fought so viciously
and with such determination that, against overwhelming odds, the Japanese were
routed, buying precious time to enable the American forces to retreat to the
peninsula of Bataan. When the American forces were finally forced by
starvation to surrender to the Japanese, Lt. Ramsey refused to surrender and
slipped through the Japanese lines with a handful of his men and continued to
make war against the Japanese. By hiding in the mountains and jungle,
Lt. Ramsey, though poorly equipped, was able to train a guerrilla army and
wreak havoc on the Japanese until Gen. McArthur returned.